ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Culture
Archaeological Survey of India, Mumbai Circle, celebrates World Heritage Day at Elephanta Caves with a series of events
Celebrations highlight the importance of conservation and protection of our rich cultural heritage
Mumbai : 18 April 2023
The convention of World Heritage Day was started by UNESCO and is being celebrated every year on 18th April. This year, on 18th April, 2023, the Archaeological Survey of India, Mumbai Circle, celebrated the World Heritage Day within the premises of world famous - Elephanta Caves, which is also a World Heritage Site.
Delivering the presidential address on the occasion, Shri. Kokare, Range Forest Officer, Uran Taluka explained that, preservation of our past cultural and historical heritage acts as a useful guide for our future ventures. Dr. Usha Vijayalaxmi, Professor, Dept. of History, Patkar College Mumbai during her keynote address, opined that, our ancestors built temples, tanks, forts etc, for the public use with great sense which need to be understood and appreciated in their right perceptions. Monuments teach us our past socio cultural history.
Smt. Meena Mukhesh Bhui, Sarpanch, Elephanta village, Shri Balaram Padmakar Thakur, Sarpanch, Elephanta village, Shri Rajendra Harichandra Padate Former Sarpanch, Elephanta village, and Dr. Datta Pilappa Hingamire, Lecturer, Gyanpeetha College Uran were also present on the occasion.
Dr. A. V. Naganoor, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist, ASI Mumbai Circle, delivered a lecture on the significance of the World Heritage Day and role of youth in preserving our heritage. Dr. Anita Rane-Kothare Head of Department, AIHC and Dr. Krush Dalal, St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai delivered lecture on “Elephanta caves- Architectural Marvel” & “History of Elephanta Caves and Surroundings” respectively.
In the series of events that followed, a Photo exhibition on the themes ‘Elephanta Caves: Past & Present’ and ‘World Heritage Monuments of India protected by Archaeological Survey of India’ were showcased along with quiz competitions for school and college students at the site.
The students of St. Xavier’s college, Mumbai, Patkar College, Mumbai and Konkan Gyanpeeth College, Uran actively participated in Seminar and Quiz competition held on site. The winners and participants were honoured with Prizes and certificates.
The objective of the celebration of World Heritage Day is to create public awareness about the diversity and exposure of the world’s heritage sites/Monuments and the efforts required to protect and conserve them. Besides, it also promotes the conservation and enhancement of the cultural heritage of India for the benefit of posterity.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
State of art technologies being used for better security at airports
The requirement of security is dynamic in nature. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security , the regulatory authority for civil aviation security in the country, in consultation with other concerned agencies and stakeholders reviews the security systems at airports from time to time and upgrades the same as per requirement.
The following state of the art technologies are in place/initiated for upgradation of security system at the airports:-
 Centralized Access Control System: This initiative is launched for issuance of biometric enabled smart card based Airport Entry Permit  and Radio Frequency Identity  based automated vehicle access control system, according to the terminal, zone and gate for secured and regulated access of employee/staff and airport vehicle.
 Installation of Body Scanner at airports in a phased manner.
 Digi Yatra: Digi Yatra policy launched by Ministry of Civil Aviation in August, 2018, intends to provide seamless and hassle-free passenger experience at Indian airports, without the need for verification of ticket and ID at multiple touch points.
 Radiological Detection Equipment : BCAS has issued an AVSEC Circular No. 01/2020 on Standard Operating Procedure for operationalization of RDE at Indian airports to prevent the radiological emergencies.
 Counter Drones/Remotely Piloted Aircraft  Systems: Recently, circular has been issued by BCAS laying down specifications for detection and neutralization of UAVs at airports.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Gen.  V. K. Singh  in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Sports Minister Shri Anurag Singh Thakur to launch Fit India Mobile Application on second anniversary of Fit India Movement on 29th August 2021
Key Highlights:
- The launch will take place at Delhi’s iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
- Indian Hockey team captain Manpreet Singh, wrestler Sangram Singh, will take part virtually
- Currently, the Fit India Movement is also conducting Fit India Freedom Run 2.0 as part of celebration of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'
To celebrate second anniversary of Fit India Movement and as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur will launch the Fit India Mobile Application on 29th August 2021. The launch will take place at Delhi’s iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium where he will be joined by Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Nisith Pramanik.
The Ministers will virtually connect with Indian Hockey team captain Manpreet Singh, wrestler Sangram Singh, Ayaz Memon, Captain Anny Divya, a school student, and a housewife who in turn will demonstrate by using the Fit India app after the launch.
The Fit India App will be available on both the Android and the iOS platforms and has been developed keeping in mind that it works even on basic smartphones.
One can watch the launch ceremony Live on Fit India's Facebook page and download the app for free from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store from August 29th onwards.
The Fit India Movement was launched on 29th August 2019 by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi with the vision of making India a Fit and Healthy Nation. Over the past two years, the Fit India Movement has reached millions of people across the country via its various fitness campaigns such as Fit India School Week, Fit India Freedom Run, Fit India Cyclothon, and many others.
Currently, the Fit India Movement is also conducting Fit India Freedom Run 2.0 in celebration of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' - An initiative of the central government to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence.
Ministry of Culture
The gigantic and magnificent scrolls created under the unique initiative ‘Kala Kumbh’ installed at Rajpath for Republic Day 2022 celebrations
The gigantic and spectacular scrolls created underthe unique initiative ‘Kala Kumbh’ have now been installed at the Rajpath for the Republic Day 2022 celebrations. The scrolls adorn either side of the Rajpath and present an awe-inspiring view. Secretary, Culture, Shri Govind Mohan today visited Rajpath and inspected the installations.
These scrolls analyse the potential of art as a means to express National pride and excellence with varied forms of art from diverse geographical locations of the country. These have been diligently researched upon and painted enthusiastically by more than five hundred artists who participated in special workshops or ‘Kala Kumbh’ at two locations, Odisha and Chandigarh.
Briefing mediapersons, Shri Govind Mohan said that as we celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the 750 m long scrolls are a unique initiative of Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Defence. The magnificent scrolls have been painted by local artists drawn from different regions and largely portray the tales of valour of unsung heroes of freedom struggle, he added. The varied art forms of these artists are also reflected in the scrolls which have been brought together on a single platform in the true spirit of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat, the Secretary explained. Sh. Govind Mohan further said that after Republic Day, the scrolls will be taken to different parts of the country and exhibited there as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Aligning with the flagship program of the Ministry of Culture, the aspect of collaborations and collective work has been outlined in these workshops. At Odisha , the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi collaborated with Kalinga Institute of Technology and Silicon Institute of Technology in Bhubaneswar from 11th – 17th December and at Chandigarh the collaboration was done with Chitkara University from 25th Dec 2021 – 2nd January 2022.
Kala Kumbh- Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav reflects the essence of unity in diversity while also analyzing the initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and its achievements.
Inspiration has also been drawn from the creative illustrations in the Constitution of India wherein the artistic elements painted by Nandalal Bose and his team have imparted a distinctive appeal along with several representations from the indigenous arts of India
The celebration of true essence of Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat was visible in these workshops where the rich diversity of our country in its cultural aspects was witnessed while portraying the heroic lives and struggles of unsung heroes of India’s freedom movement.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs 
Boost to Rural Road connectivity
Cabinet approves continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana beyond 12th Five Year Plan period
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana  beyond 12th Five Year Plan period. It will help in connecting 38,412 habitations at an estimated cost of Rs. 84,934 crore . The fund sharing pattern will be same.
Habitation  would be covered by March, 2019. PMGSY-II and habitations under identified LWE blocks  would be covered by March 2020.
Initially the targets of PMGSY were to be achieved by March 2022, however, the sunset date of achievement of PMGSY-I was pre-poned to March, 2019, with enhanced fund allocation and changed funding pattern i.e. in the ratio of 60:40 between the Centre and State for all States except for 8 North Eastern and 3 Himalayan States  for which it is 90:10. The Task of connecting 1,78,184 eligible unconnected habitations under PMGSY on its way towards completion by March, 2019. So far, 95% habitations  have been sanctioned, of which 91% habitations  have been connected including 16,380 habitations connected by the States from their own resources. Against the sanctioned length of 6,58,143 km, 5,50,601 km road length has been completed. Under, PMGSY-II, against the target length of 50,000 km works of upgradation almost 32,100 km road length have been sanctioned in 13 States, which have transited to PMGSY-II. Against the sanctions issued, 12,000 km road length has been completed up to March, 2018.
Background:
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana  was launched on 25" December, 2000 with the objective to provide All-Weather road connectivity to the eligible unconnected habitations in rural areas of Country. The programme envisages connecting all unconnected habitations with a population of 500 persons  and above in plain areas. Also eligible are the unconnected habitations with 250 persons and above  in Special Category States' namely North-East, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand, the Desert areas  and 88 Selected Tribal and Backward districts as identified by the Ministry of Home Affairs/Planning Commission. For Most intensive Integrated Action Plan  blocks as identified by Ministry of Home Affairs, the unconnected habitations with population 100 and above  is eligible to be covered under PMGSY.
Ministry of Railways
Apprentices trained in railway establishments are given preference in appointment over others, subject to obtaining minimum qualifying marks and meeting and medical standards
Demand of apprentices for appointment in railways without undergoing due recruitment process is not acceptable, says Railway
Demand violates constitutional provisions and Apex Court judgment in matters of public employment
Indian Railways has been providing training to applicants in designated trades under the provisions of the Apprentices Act since August 1963. These applicants are taken as apprentices based on their academic qualification without any competition or selection. Though the railways were obligated to provide only training to such candidates, those who completed their training were being engaged as Substitutes against level 1 posts, since 2004.
- Substitutes are temporary appointees who can be engaged to meet any exigencies and operational requirements. While such appointees are given benefits, due to temporary railway servants, they are not entitled to be absorbed in permanent employment without undergoing due process.
- In view of the ongoing transformation of Indian Railways and with a view to bringing fairness, transparency and objectivity in all railway recruitments, the railways centralized the process for all recruitments to level 1 in 2017, which would henceforth be conducted through a common nationwide computer based test 
- The Apprentices Act was amended in 2014 whereby section 22 of the Act provided that an employer shall formulate a policy for recruiting apprentices trained in its establishment. Pursuant to such amendment, Indian Railways made a provision to give preference to apprentices trained in railway establishments in open market recruitment to level 1 posts, to the extent of 20% of the posts advertised.
- While these apprentices appear for written test along with other candidates, they are given preference in appointment over others, subject to obtaining minimum qualifying marks and meeting and medical standards.
- Accordingly, 12504 Level 1 posts out of 63202 advertised vide CEN 02/2018 were earmarked for such candidates in the first common recruitment held in 2018. Similarly, 20734 Level-1 posts, out of 103769 posts advertised under CEN RRC 01/2019 have been earmarked for these apprentices. Recruitment for this notification is to be held.
- These apprentices are demanding for appointment in the railways without undergoing the prescribed recruitment process, namely written test and physical efficiency test that all other candidates are required to undergo as per extant rules. This demand is not feasible for acceptance as it is violative of Constitutional provisions and Apex Court judgment in matters of public employment whereby any employment cannot be provided except through a procedure involving fair selection.
RKJ/M
(Visitor Counter : 3796
Prime Minister's Office
PM wishes everyone especially Kashmiri Pandit sisters and brothers on Jyeshtha Ashtami
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted all, especially the Kashmiri Pandit sisters and brothers on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Greetings to everyone, especially my Kashmiri Pandit sisters and brothers on Jyeshtha Ashtami. We pray to Mata Kheer Bhawani for everyone’s well-being and prosperity."
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Shri Nitin Gadkarisays National automobile Scrappage policy is win-win policy for all the stakeholders
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari has said that National automobile Scrappage policy is mutual win-win policy for all the stakeholders. Inaugurating the the Vehicle Scrapping and Recycling Facility set upby Maruti Suzuki Toyotsu India Private Limited at Noida today he said the policy aims at creating an ecosystem for phasing out unfit and polluting vehicles from the Indian roads and to meet this objective state-of-the-art scrapping and recycling units are needed.
The Minister said the policy will help in increasing Automobile sales,provide employment,reduce import cost,generate incremental GST revenue and help to solve the global shortage of semi conductor chip. Shri Gadkari said policy provides an important link in creating circular economy  for the country.He said three to four scrapping centres should be set up in every district.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has recently launched thevisionary Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet ModernisationProgram . This Policy is aimed at creating an ecosystem for phasing out old unsafe, polluting vehicles and replacing them with newer safe and fuel-efficient vehicles. The Ministry has also notified the Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility  Rules to enable setting up of modern vehicle scrapping facilities in India which can recycle the vehicles in an environment friendly manner.
The existing vehicle dismantling and recycling industry in Indiais unorganized and recycling of older vehicles is not done in an environment-friendly manner. This not only leads to inefficient resource management, but also non-realisation of the full value of high-strength steel alloys and recovery of valuable rare-earth metals. The existing ELV scrapping cycle has a low recovery percentage and many materials get wasted or are not properly recycled. As per unofficial industry estimates, the recovery percentage in India is about 70-75%, while global benchmarks for recovery from scrapped vehicle are in the range of 85-95%.
Since the prevailing processes in the unorganized sector for recycling/ scrapping are not carried out in an environment-friendly manner, it is the endeavour of this Ministry to promote setting up of RVSF, to enable use of environmentally-friendly processes in this regard.The Vehicle Scrapping Policy thereby createssuch formal business opportunity & promote scientific recycling within the scrapping industry.
The RVSF inaugurated by Minister has been set up in an area of 11,000 sqm with a capacity of handling 24,000 vehicle per year. The plant has been set up by Maruti Suzuki India Ltd in collaboration with Toyota Tshusho Group.Shri Gadkari congratulated Maruti Suzuki and Toyota Tshoshu Group and also requested other stakeholders to come forward to create similar state-of-the-art scrapping and recycling facilities to help achieve the objectives of the Policy.
H.E.Mr Satoshi Suzuki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of Japan, India was also present at the inauguration function.
MJPS
(Visitor Counter : 1790
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Union Minister for Micro Small Medium Enterprises Nitin Gadkari distributes PPE kits manufactureded by MSME
Nagpur, 11 एप्रिल 2020
Union Minister for Micro Small Medium Enterprises Nitin Gadkari today distributed the PPE kits manufactured by the Garment common facility centre of Micro Small Medium Enterprises ministry to the Deans of Government Medical College and Indira Gandhi Government Medical College at Nagpur. Sh. Gadkari has taken an initiative to provide initially 15000 PPE kits free of cost to healthcare workers of Govt. Hospitals and decided to get these kits manufactured from MSMEs in Nagpur. This will be of additional help to the Government hospitals and healthcare workers in fighting this pandemic COVID-19.
The present scenario of COVID-19 outbreak, to safeguard the healthcare workers, paramedics, hygiene workers and others is the most challenging task. As compared to the increasing positive cases of COVID-19, there is huge demand of Personal Protective Equipment  kits which provides protection from infection. The kits were distribute today at the hands of Nitin Gadkari. He said that these kits are given free of cost as additional help from his side for healthcare workers of Government. Medical college. These kits will act as important tool in fighting against corona virus. Shri P.M.Parlewar Director, MSME Development Institute Nagpur explained the details of kit and Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Vikas Mahatme informed about importance of PPE kits for Healthcare workers. Deans of Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Government Medical College, Nagpur along with other public representatives were present during distribution of kits maintaining social distance,
P.M.Parlewar, Director, MSME Development Institute Nagpur and Under the guidance of Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Vikas Mahatme, conducted meeting with the Common Facility Centre , Orange City Garment Cluster. Discussions were also held with Manufacturers from Nagpur and M/s Plasti Surge Industries Pvt. Ltd.,Amravati for manufacturing Cover all Gown, Masks and prepare the kits which are protective gears designed to safeguard the health of people by minimising the exposure to a biological agent /virus. Cover all/gowns are designed to protect torso of healthcare providers from exposure to virus. Coveralls provide 360-degree protection as they are designed to cover the whole body including back and lower legs. These give protection to healthcare workers. For this purpose various doctors were consulted regarding the requirement and specifications of kit.
S.Rai/D.Wankhede/P.Kor
(Visitor Counter : 629
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan to lunch special youth promotion programmes in Karnataka from tomorrow.
Yuva Utsav, Neighbourhood Youth Parliament & Selection of National Youth Volunteers to form part of the programmes.
The Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan under the Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs will organise various special youth promotion programmes in Karnataka beginning from tomorrow till 31st March.
During this period, Yuva Utsav - India@2047 will be held in educational institutions in selected 14 districts on the theme Panch Pran and India @2047 involving young artists, writer's, photographers and orators. The programme is aimed to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the identified district.
On G20 theme district-level Neighbourhood Youth Parliament will be conducted by 27 NYK district offices across the State. Participation of youth representatives from all the blocks will be ensured.
Besides, NYK Sangathan plans to select National Youth Volunteers for the next two years on monthly honorarium basis, to be notified in local newspapers shortly. The Youth Volunteers will act as mediators between the NYK and youths.
S. Prakash
Dy. Director
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Prakash Javadekar inaugurates 10th Jagran Film Festival
Union Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar inaugurated the 10th Jagran Film Festival in an event held at Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi on 18th July.
Speaking at the event, the Minister talked about the recent Steering Committee Meeting chaired by him in Goa for the Golden Jubilee Edition of International Film Festival of India and extended an invite to all the dignitaries present to attend the Festival.
He highlighted the importance and impact of cinema on life of people and termed that it is a medium which connects people. He recalled the historical development of cinema in India and the growing impact of Indian cinema as a transporter of India’s soft power.
Shri Javadekar highlighted the recent steps taken by Information & Broadcasting Ministry to promote India as a filming destination through a fillip to ease of filming via the single window clearance mechanism created through Film Facilitation Office. He also talked about the proposed additions to National Museum of Indian Cinema which are on the anvil. The Museum was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi earlier this year.
Highlighting that cinema is people’s medium, Shri Javadekar said that I&B Ministry is committed to taking steps to create conducive environment for fostering the growth of cinema in the country.
The event was attended by several stars of the Film Industry including Shri Anil Kapoor, Shri Ketan Mehta, Ms. Farah Khan, Shri Shobu Yarlagadda, Shri Rajeev Masand, among others.